Prime minister seeks German support for Rohingya repatriation

Sun Online Desk
17th March, 2018 09:19:13

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday sought German support in influencing the Myanmar authorities to create a conducive environment for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

"We seek your continued support in influencing the Myanmar authorities to create a conducive environment in the northern Rakhaine state so that the Rohingyas can return in safety and security to their ancestral homes in Myanmar," she said in a congratulatory message to Angela Markel on her reassuming as the Federal Chancellor of Germany.

Sheikh Hasina appreciated Germany's strong international support on Rohingya issue at the UN and other international forums and significant humanitarian assistance in this context.

The premier said despite severe space and resource constrains, Bangladesh is bearing a significant burden by hosting more than a mi||ion persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar.

"We have made bilateral arrangements with Myanmar for safe, dignified and sustainable return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Myanmar," she said.

The prime minister said she profoundly admires the people of the Federal Republic of Germany who have once again shown wisdom in bestowing their confidence in the visionary and courageous leadership of Angela Markel.

"Our relation is based on shared values for democracy, human rights, rule of law, secularism and tolerance," she said.

"As we discussed in our recent meetings, including in February 2017 in Munich, I am keen to building an even closer and stronger partnership with Gummy to realise the full potentials of our relationship," she added.

Sheikh Hasina invited the German Chancellor to visit Bangladesh at her earliest convenience, saying such a visit would be a milestone to mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.